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The Briarmoor Chronicles #1

Welcome to Halfling House

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What do you get when you have a renegade Greek Goddess, a fiery witch, a toddler dragon, a fae child, and a temperamental teenage bogeyman in one house?

Chaos.

Not literally, of course. Ellie – or more accurately, the Greek Goddess formerly known as Eleos – left the true embodiment of Chaos behind when she abandoned the Greek Pantheon for the mortal world.

Spilt milk, giant sunflowers and random spot fires are just par for the course when you’re raising Halflings, the outcasts of the magickal world. Fortunately for Ellie, she has Clara – the first Halfling she adopted – to help navigate the thin line between the mortal and magickal worlds.

A new Halfling’s arrival brings more challenges than expected when a legend from Ellie’s past emerges, determined to destroy the newborn. Trusting strangers is not in Ellie’s skillset, but even this immortal Goddess needs to learn a thing or two if she’s going to protect her own from those who would rather they didn’t exist.

Follow Ellie and her brood as they navigate the everyday hassles of life, the extraordinary battles with the magickal, and uncover the mysteries of the town they call home, Briarmoor.

This series is perfect for anyone who enjoys heartfelt and hilarious stories about found family, protective mama bears, diverse magic and creatures, slow-burn fade-to-black romance, and LGBTQIA+ representation.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2024

178 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Vassallo

8 books28 followers

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5 stars
217 (59%)
4 stars
93 (25%)
3 stars
49 (13%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Lola.
2,002 reviews275 followers
dnf
September 30, 2025
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.

I DNF'd this one, just couldn't get into it and didn't really like reading about so many young kids. I somehow had expected this one to deal more with the plot instead. The narrator was decent and I liked the Australian accent that fit as the book was set there, but the narration went a tad too slow for my taste.
740 reviews16 followers
July 8, 2024
In this book, we get to know Ellie (Eleos - the Greek goddess of mercy, pity and compassion). Her and the first halfling she took in, Clara, run the Halfling House. The Halfling House is a sanctuary for half-breeds that are not wanted and would otherwise be killed. After taking in what they believe to be a half-were/half-human, the house is attacked by one of Zues' servants - an Animus (an amalgamation of creatures sent out to kill). An unusual wolf fends it off the first time, but was it a friend or foe? At the same time, she realizes she may be becoming human and losing her powers. Knowing Storm (the new halfling) might be more than she seems, they must figure out a way to protect themselves and the children. And Ellie must learn to trust the residents of Briarmoor, who may know more than she thinks of her world.
In this book, we are introduced to some well-known and some lesser known Gods and creatures from Greek mythology as well as a little Celtic lore as well. The children are also so interesting and absolutely adorable, well aside from Shade since a teenage bogeyman would not want to be called adorable! And they are all your typical children, supernatural or not! There are half-fae, half-dragon and now half-were shenanigans abound! And thanks to those shenanigans, Ellie meets Gabe, who may just be able to help with their supernatural problems as well.
This new series is full of fun, action, child antics and mythology. Ellie is a wonderful caretaker with definite trust issues (and how could she not!). She also has a hard time accepting that Clara is someone able to take care of herself and others. This a journey not only to save the children, but herself as well. I can't wait to see where this world will take Ellie, Clara, Zane, Alora, Storm and Shade.
301 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2024
Welcome To Halfling House follows on from Halfling House Origins. There is a longer break in the timeline between the prequel and book one than I was expecting but the author skillfully gives all the important bits to fill in gaps using conversations, narration etc.

I really like the cosy, found family vibe of these books. It's a character-driven tale so there are kids being kids (with training-wheel magic thrown in to up the chaos factor!) and a parent figure doing her best to give them a lovng home, all the while worrying about safety, trust and the future. It's all relatable and written in caring tones. It's an endearing story and I couldn't help but feel so much empathy for Ellie and Clara in particular.

The author's style let me move smoothly through the pages. She has an easy to read but solid way of writing that builds three dimensional and appealing characters. There are a couple of action scenes and they are vivid and well paced.

I love the setting! Australia in a small bush community is home for me so it felt comfortable. There's local food references, a bit of vernacular and the obligatory joke about the number of poisonous animals!! None of this overpowers the story though, just adds a unique flavour, so it won't be an issue for any reader.

The mystery of the halfling kids and the potential in each of them, the light flirting between MC's and the Greek pantheon elements are all enjoyable aspects and round out this lovely story. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Profile Image for Katy.
5 reviews
March 31, 2025
Welcome to Halfling House by Victoria Vassallo is a delightful blend of Aussie charm and Greek mythology, offering a fresh twist on the supernatural genre. Set in the quiet town of Briarmoor, the story introduces us to Ellie and her halfling family as they navigate their extraordinary lives. The incorporation of Greek mythology added a layer of depth to the narrative, and the supernatural world set in Australia provided a fascinating backdrop that made the book stand out in its genre. It's not just your typical supernatural story—Vassallo's world feels rich and immersive.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its cozy yet adventurous atmosphere. It transported me back to the shows and books I grew up loving, offering a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. The characters are incredibly endearing, and I found myself genuinely invested in their journey. I loved seeing how they interacted and how their relationships grew throughout the story.

I would highly recommend Welcome to Halfling House to anyone who enjoys supernatural stories with plenty of action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Fans of mythology and cozy, character-driven narratives will find this book particularly enjoyable. I’m excited to see what mischief & adventures lie ahead for Ellie and her family!
Profile Image for Blake.
1,363 reviews45 followers
June 2, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

2.75*

I liked the idea.
I liked the world.
I mostly liked the MC.
I think the love interest could have been better.
I mostly liked the other adult characters.
I liked all the kids.

I am interested in reading more about them and hope to learn about what happened to past halflings that the MC has cared for.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Profile Image for Jenny T.
1,019 reviews46 followers
November 5, 2024
A cozy urban fantasy about Eleos, a Greek goddess of compassion and mercy, who risked her family’s and the pantheon’s disapproval to open a shelter for magical orphans (“halflings”) in a small town in Australia. El is a sweetheart of a character; fiercely and ceaselessly protective of the kids in her charge. And the kids themselves are a delight: little half-dragon shifter Zane, who she’s teaching to fly; teenage half-bogeyman Shade; preteen half-Fae Alora, and the newest adoptee, little Storm, a baby half-werewolf.

The story spends a lot of time with the kids being kids, which I loved. The rest deals with El getting to know and trust the townsfolk (who are a LOT more understanding of, shall we say, differences, than she thinks!) There’s a bit of a gentle (no-spice) romance, but it’s not the focus – this is a story about belonging.

Of course, it’s not without conflict, as the gods themselves (and their creepy, powerful, beast-like Animus) are trying to destroy El and the kids. (Possible trigger warning for child endangerment, but I’d still consider this a cozy read – there’s no doubt that everything will be okay).

This was a short, fast read, and reading it was excellent stress relief this week! Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Jilleen.
Author 49 books187 followers
August 3, 2024
This is an adorable cozy urban fantasy and I loved it!

Ellie, the former Greek Goddess of compassion and other stuff, left her cruel family behind millennia ago. But all of that love and kindness had to go somewhere, so she's made it her mission to foster the halflings of the world. Halflings are often discarded by their families or killed and there hasn't been a place for them before now.

Moving often, Ellie and her brood have found a place they think they can make their permanent home. but what do you do with a twenty something half witch, a teenage boogeyman, and a handful of toddlers and infants that can't really pass for human?

Ellie has to see what lengths she'll go to to protect her family, especially when the magical world wants them dead.

I loved this tale. Ellie's warmth and compassion are clear to see. The kids are quirky and believable and the danger is palpable. What more do you want from a cozy urban fantasy?

Pick this up if you want a feel good read with action, adventure, a touch of romance, and of course, magic.
Profile Image for Cassandra Lee.
7 reviews
January 29, 2025
heart warming with just enough action to keep it interesting

I don’t even know that this well crafted tale was the work of a first time author until I reached het note at the book’s end.
A beautiful blend of heart, action and some cool bits of myth and folklore that come from the lesser known parts of Greek and Celtic mythologies, with a tiny sprinkling of shy romance.
Great character work….. everyone has their own personality and written so well that even the background characters had enough going that their personalities were clearly peeking out ready to be explored more fully in further stories.
A complete tale within this book, that would have done fine as a standalone story.
Super happy to see that it has at least two more stories (one released and one to go) on kindle unlimited…. Also spotted a prequel that is pay to play, planning to read it as soon as my budget allows.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,145 reviews87 followers
July 10, 2024
This author is a new author to me (and I think new in general), but this book really seemed like something I’d like but wasn’t sure about the addition of children in the mix. I needn’t have worried about that, because this was a great series-starter. I really liked Ellie, Storm, Shade, Mason, and all the others. One thing about this book I noticed was that it has a sweet or gentle vibe to it, unlike some urban fantasies/paranormal books I’ve read…probably because of who Ellie is. I can’t wait to read more in this universe, and I am looking forward to the next one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
1 review
November 26, 2024
🌟 A Heartwarming Holiday Mystery! 🌟

Merry Magickal Mischief: A Halfling Christmas Adventure is a delightful blend of humor, mystery, and holiday magic. Ellie and her halfling family’s first Christmas with friends in Briarmoor is filled with warmth, laughter, and unexpected pranks that threaten to ruin their festive spirit.

With a charming setting, lovable characters, and themes of found family and resilience, this cozy mystery is perfect for fans of heartfelt fantasy. The inclusivity and subtle romance make it even more special.

✨ A must-read for the holidays—whimsical, heartwarming, and full of cheer! 🎄
1,945 reviews18 followers
May 16, 2025
This one is definitely for all the single moms, who will appreciate Ellie's efforts to raise 3 not-human children with very special needs (and talents) - I am not including Clara and Shade in that count, and even with their help, she is outnumbered. Ellie's struggles to allow her oldest fosterlings to stretch their wings and to learn to be take adult responsibilities is poignantly realistic - I know that I would have problems beating down my protectiveness too. All in all, this is a touching glimpse at what a family should be, even with troubles popping up like Alora's sunflowers. A mother's work is never done, is it?
Profile Image for Lori.
804 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2024
Nice start for a new author!

This is a series by a new author that has an interesting story and is well written. It's a good start by a new author and I am looking forward to finding where it leads. I'm hoping it gets a bit more in-depth with character background information as to me that lays the foundation for the readers to become interested in what happens to them. She's done well here, just not as much as I'd like. It brings in the capriciousness of the Greek gods, which I've always found interesting. I hope you enjoy it too!
Profile Image for Alex Owens.
27 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2024
Loved it!

I wish I hadn’t started this before #2 was out but I can’t seem to regret it! I read the prequel of how Hafling House came to be, and Book #1 did not disappoint. Mama E is a literal goddess with a capital G and she’s spent her last decades steadily losing her powers and rearing the castaway children of the magickal world with the help of her first ward, Clara.
This story has romance and fantasy in the best mix of action and drama you cold ask for. I cannot wait for Book #2!! Well worth the wait.
1,494 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2025
Ellie is a former Greek Goddess known as Eleos who left the Greek Pantheon to live in the mortal world to escape the restrictions and conflicts of the Pantheon. Ellie creates the Halfling House as a sanctuary for magical beings that are outcasts who have been discarded. Ellie takes in Clara a fiery teenage witch, Ember a toddler dragon, Finn a fae child and Kade a teenage boogeyman. Ellie adopts the halflings to protect her family from other powerful supernatural creatures and organizations that wish to them harm. I really enjoyed this fantastic urban fantasy novel.
Profile Image for Christina Houston.
23 reviews
August 26, 2024
Amazing book, a little like House by the Cerulean Sea meets mythology, not just Greek mythology. A handful, in both aspects of the word, of adorable halfling children, a witch still learning her abilities, a goddess struggling with imminent mortality and all that it brings. All of this top off by a town with long-held secrets and a battle of life and death. I am so glad that I took a chance on an Idie author and now eagerly await the release of the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angela.
114 reviews
September 18, 2024
very interest concept and book

Eleos was a minor Greek goddess before she walked away from the Pantheon in disgust. After thousands of years she finally finds her calling, looking after Halfling children, half human, half other species, who without her would be discarded to die.

This is the story of what happens when she takes in a new baby nd brings down disaster on Halfling House and the village in which they live
1 review
July 9, 2024
Welcome to Halfing House
The Briarmoore Chronicles book 1

I read the origin story for this series and was immediately hooked! I read it in less than a weekend!! Fast-paced and very entertaining! I was so pleased to get my hands on the first book and it was everything I’d hoped for! Cannot wait for what happens next!
31 reviews
July 10, 2024
Awesome book. I did cry though, more than once. My emotions go everywhere now so it's ok. Once I started this I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Ellie is awesome. Clara is smart. Shade is mysterious. But Zane, Alora and storm made my heart melt. The love, friendship, and family is just amazing. I need to read the rest. I'm hooked.
Profile Image for Dianna Cook.
101 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2024
Found family, supernaturals, the Greek Pantheon what a mix

Found family, supernaturals, the Greek Pantheon what a mix. This was a sweet, enjoyable and unexpected read. Ellie and Clara are the perfect caregivers to this family of abandoned, adorable halfling children. I would recommend and look forward to other books in this series.
Profile Image for Lesley Hewitt.
832 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2024
Really, really good

Wow, I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. There are baby supernatural creatures or halflings that need looking after. A young Witch and a Greek Goddess run Halfling House. There is a bit of a kerfuffle with some of Zeus's creatures but the local pack helps out. I can't wait to see what happens next. Well worth five stars.
Profile Image for Toni ~married to a hunk~.
2,717 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
This book is abotu Ellie who is a Greek Goddess but she walked away from them so she has lost her powers. She ahs started a halflings house to protect all the ones that need it the most. Storm her newest baby is getting attacked by some of Zeus's "dogs" and she needs help to stop them.

With a quirky cast of kids and adults this story is fun and funny. Throw in a little romance and it is a great read for a weekend.
2 reviews
March 29, 2025
So worth the read

Victoria's characters are easy to relate to, and I love that the kids aren't perfect, little angels. They had mischievous streaks. I loved all their different little personalities and little quirkiness. My faverouites would be Alora and Zane, but I liked Storm too, so I'm ready to read book 2
Profile Image for Linda Ackerson.
27 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2026
I enjoyed the story concept and approve!

The book is well written and engaging. The characters are well developed and surprisingly real. The story has some twists and turns, some angst and highs, and lots of emotions to contend with. I wish Ms. Vassals a long and fruitful writing career.
167 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2024
Bold Original Mythic
There isn't much that pulls harder on my heartstrings than saving the children.
No matter what!!! So race your way to the action adventures and emotional chaos of Welcome to Halfling House!!!
Enjoy!!!
418 reviews
September 13, 2024
Very good!!

What a wonderful story and concept. Well written and engaging, I loved all the different characters, especially all the different halflings and the way they are treated and cared for. Looking forward to many more books by this author.
258 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
Great beginning to a series

I thoroughly enjoyed Halfling House and getting to know Ellie, Clara, Shade, Mason, Gabe, all the kids, and especially Denny. I can’t wait to discover what trouble they’ll get into next!
Profile Image for VicciReviews.
1,340 reviews18 followers
November 5, 2024
Fantastic read

I loved this book so much. It was new and thrilling tasks on old gods and the myths that surround them . it is about found family and how strong that love can be. Great read
1 review
December 4, 2024
Wow

This book kept me on my toes.
I would like to find out more about the other halflings, like where they came from and how they grow to make a difference

I will be looking for the other books and hope they don't take to long to get to me
1,081 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2025
Halfling House

The story starts slowly. But mid way it starts to pick and moves fast. Thoroughly enjoyed the halfling babies. They are so cute! Looking forward to the next story.
7 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
Halfling House

Wow, best book I have read in a while. The story line was well presented and I enjoyed reading about the halflings. Hope there are more books about the halflings.
Thank you do much Victoria avwell written and enjoyable read . Loved the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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